DOCSLIB.ORG

A Taste for the Beautiful” [1]

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Taste for the Beautiful” [1] S on ti ASTE FOR THE EAUTIFUL c A T B sa n Hollis Taylor, 57-B Chaseling Avenue, A r Springwood, NSW, 2777, Australia. T E-mail: <[email protected]>. Abstract Bowerbirds are named for the structures they build, paint, and decorate. This photo essay documents the efforts of three species of Australian bowerbirds. The influence of sexual selection is pertinent, as the female bowerbird performs her concomitant func- tion as art critic. See <www.mitpressjournals.org/toc/leon/44/3> for supplemental files related to this article. Submitted: 5 December 2009 Fig. 3. Great bowerbirds prefer things green and white, as three views (above) of this collection of white shells and stones mixed with green seedpods and fruits exemplify. However, green and white are not the only criteria—they collect objects with reflective surfaces, like glass, plastic cups, metal objects, and aluminum foil (below). (Photos © Hollis Taylor) In 1871, Charles Darwin credited birds “with strong affections, acute perception, and a taste for the beautiful” [1]. My work in Australia involves video and audio documentation of such birds. For example, bowerbirds, which live in Aus- tralia and Papua New Guinea, are named for the architecturally complex and va- ried stick structures that they build. Bowers are decorated with fruits, flow- ers, seedpods, feathers, bones, skulls, stones, shells, insects, resins, fungi, li- chens, ferns, leaves, charcoal, and other natural, as well as man-made, objects. Color preferences influence those Bower walls are painted with a com- items used for bower decoration. Satin bination of saliva and natural paint mate- bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus) rials applied with a stick or piece of bark. favor blue, with a secondary preference While a male bowerbird performs as for yellow, while great (Chlamydera painter, architect, collector, decorator, nuchali) and western bowerbirds (Chla- landscaper, vocalist, and dancer, the mydera guttata) choose white and green. female serves as art critic, contemplating Bowerbird preferences run to more than what the other sex has created and con- tint—saturation, shape, size, texture, firming the influence of sexual selection. luminescence, sheen—these may factor into the choices the bird makes when References assembling his collection. Fig. 1. This avenue bower is not a nest—it serves as a backdrop to the stage where a male 1. Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man, and Selec- Males accumulate decorations as a tion in Relation to Sex, Vol. II (Princeton: Princeton satin bowerbird would sing and perform a ritualized dance to attract a female, and where University Press, 1981) p. 108. kind of wealth, and there is speculation they would mate if he were successful. (Photo © Hollis Taylor.) that enjoyment is involved, as males are 2. Clifford B. Frith and Dawn W. Frith, Bowerbirds known to perform decoration and court- (Malanda, Queensland: Frith & Frith, 2008) p. 24. ship behavior in the absence of any au- Fig. 2. Plastic has been a boon to satin bowerbirds. This one chooses human artifacts 3. Michael Allaby, Animal Artisans (London, Wei- denfeld and Nicolson, 1982) p. 100. dience [2]. Fading vegetable matter and almost exclusively for his decorations. (Photos © Hollis Taylor.) decorative items robbed by competitors are regularly replaced [3]. Fig. 4. White shells (left) dominate this western bowerbird’s bower, while green bottle glass provides an accent (below). (Photos © Hollis Taylor) 292 Leonardo, Vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 292–293, 2011 ©2011 ISAST Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/LEON_a_00196 by guest on 25 September 2021 S on ti c sa n A r T Fig. 3. Great bowerbirds prefer things green and white, as three views (above) of this collection of white shells and stones mixed with green seedpods and fruits exemplify. However, green and white are not the only criteria—they collect objects with reflective surfaces, like glass, plastic cups, metal objects, and aluminum foil (below). (Photos © Hollis Taylor) Bower walls are painted with a com- bination of saliva and natural paint mate- rials applied with a stick or piece of bark. While a male bowerbird performs as painter, architect, collector, decorator, landscaper, vocalist, and dancer, the female serves as art critic, contemplating what the other sex has created and con- firming the influence of sexual selection. References 1. Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man, and Selec- tion in Relation to Sex, Vol. II (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981) p. 108. 2. Clifford B. Frith and Dawn W. Frith, Bowerbirds (Malanda, Queensland: Frith & Frith, 2008) p. 24. 3. Michael Allaby, Animal Artisans (London, Wei- denfeld and Nicolson, 1982) p. 100. Fig. 4. White shells (left) dominate this western bowerbird’s bower, while green bottle glass provides an accent (below). (Photos © Hollis Taylor) Transactions 293 Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/LEON_a_00196 by guest on 25 September 2021.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Vocal Behaviour and Annual Cycle of the Western Bowerbird Chlamydera Guttata
    VOL. 12 (3) SEPTEMBER 1987 83 AUSTRALIAN BIRD WATCHER 1987, 12, 83-90 Vocal Behaviour and Annual Cycle of the Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata by JAMES M. BRADLEY, 2 Benbullen Boulevarde, Kingsley, WA. 6026 Summary Bowers of the Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata were observed at three sites in coastal Western Australia over three years (1977-1980) in order to quantify song output, mimicry and bower attendance and to determine the timetable of events in the birds' life cycle. Tape recordings of vocalisations at bowers were obtained at regular intervals in all months, and a scoring system was used to measure the rate of song output. Data were also obtained on breeding parameters. Bower-owning males were present at bowers all year, and maintained song output through the year with a major peak in September to December. Mimicry followed a similar pattern, with a peak in July to October. The rate of bower visitation also peaked in these months (August to December). Courtship and copulation were observed in August, eggs in August-September, nestlings in October and fledglings in September and October. Clutch size (n=4) and brood size (n=2) were invariably two. After the mating period, while females were nesting, groups of birds (presumably sub-adult males) visited bowers. Display and visitation rates were low from December to the next breeding cycle. Factors inducing mimicry included intrusion by raptors and humans. It is concluded that males advertise the location of new bowers by increased song output, and that mimicry serves partly as a defence mechanism. Introduction The Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata, now regarded as distinct from the Spotted Bowerbird Chlamydera maculata, is a cryptically coloured, sexually monomorphic species inhabiting wooded rocky country in Central and Western Australia (Schodde & Tidemaqn 1986).
    [Show full text]
  • Bird Report, 1982-1999 Graham Carpenter, Andrew Black
    NOVEMBER 2003 93 BIRD REPORT, 1982-1999 GRAHAM CARPENTER, ANDREW BLACK, DAVID HARPER and PHILIPPAHORTON INTRODUCTION added, particularly details of specimens donated to and held by the South Australian Museum. For the nineteen years from 1963 to 1981, · Further details of these specimens are available periodic Bird Reports were collated and published from the Museum. in theSouth Australian Ornithologist(Glover et Priority for inclusion goes to reliable and al. 1964; Glover 1965-1975;Cox 1976a; N. Reid verifiable reports of birds rarely recorded for the 1976; J. Reid 1980; Bransbury 1984; note that state or region, namely those of birds recorded references for this section of the report appear on near or beyond their previously recognised range pp. 96-98). With increasing observations it be­ limits, unusual numbers and unusual seasonal came more difficult to do justice to all records occurrences, and breeding records. Note also that submitted to the South Australian Ornithological additional details, such as ecological data and Association. John Bransbury (1984) undertook field notes, may be available from the quarterly the demanding task to cover the five years 1977- SAOA Newsletters that are referred to by number 1981, a particularly active period when many of edition, or from the author of the record as SAOA members were engaged in compiling indicated by surnameand initial. records for the first Australian Bird Atlas The SAOA Newsletter Bird Notes and Bird (Blakers, Davies and Reilly 1984). Records for the period were collated and vetted The Bird Reports provided readers with a by Brian Glover until March 1984, Graham summary of interesting records for the year, thus Carpenter to March 1995 and David Harper to encouraging further records to confirm, extend or March 1999(SAOA 1982-1994 and 1994-1999).
    [Show full text]
  • Western Bowerbird Chlamydera Guttata Species No.: 681 Band Size: 07 SS
    Australian Bird Study Association Inc. – Bird in the Hand (Second Edition), published on www.absa.asn.au - Revised April 2020 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata Species No.: 681 Band size: 07 SS Morphometrics: Two subspecies with measurements as follows: nominate C.g. guttata ssp. C.g. carteri (central WA – except North-west Cape, (North-west Cape, WA) s-w NT & n-w SA) Adult Male Adult Female Adult Male Adult Female THL: 55.7 – 59.3 mm 56.1 – 59.9 No data 57.1 mm (1) Bill: 23.8 – 31.0 mm 23.3 – 30.4 mm 27.8 – 28.7 mm 87 – 95 mm Wing: 141 – 153 mm 140 – 152 mm 134, 135 mm (2) 135 – 141 mm Tail: 82 – 99 mm 92 – 105 mm 83 – 102 mm 87 – 95 mm Tarsus: 37.4 – 41.2 mm 37.3 – 41.0 mm 37.3 – 38.6 mm 35.5 – 39.0 mm Weight: 128 – 148 g 135 – 148 g 127 – 139 g No data Ageing: Adult (2+) Juvenile Bill: black; dark brown; Forehead, coarsely spotted rufous-brown with finer yellow-brown with dense dark brown crown & nape: blackish-brown scalloping & mottling; streaking; Hindneck: feathers pink grading to mauve at tips that pale brown with cream mottling, feathers together form an erectile mauve-pink are cream with broad with broad brown nuchal crest; fringes and no pink; A post-juvenile moult results in a first immature plumage with all or most juvenile remiges and rectrices and greater primary coverts retained and a small pink nuchal crest develops; Probably attain adult plumage in complete first immature post-breeding moult, at about one year of age; Thus adults should only be aged (2+); It is not known at what age females breed, or at what age males build and maintain a complete bower in which to successfully display and attract females.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplemental Table 1.1.Pdf
    Flexible mimics Species Scientific name Family Classification Source Inland thornbill Acanthiza apicalis Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Yellow-rumped thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Simpson and Day 1993, Slater 2009, Armstrong 1963, Chisholm 1932, Chestnut-rumped heathwren Calamanthus (Hylacola) pyrrhopygius Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Rusty mouse-warbler Crateroscelis murina Acanthizidae Flexible Xenocanto 2018, del Hoyo et al 2011 Mountain mouse-warbler Crateroscelis robusta Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Brown gerygone Gerygone mouki Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Fernwren Oreoscopus gutturalis Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Rockwarbler Origma solitaria Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Speckled warbler Pyrrholaemus (Chthonicola) sagittatus Acanthizidae Flexible Simpson and Day 1993, Chisholm 1932, del Hoyo et al 2011 Simpson and Day 1993, Chisholm 1932, Xenocanto 2018, del Hoyo et Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus Acanthizidae Flexible al 2011 Yellow-throated scrubwren Sericornis citreogularis Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Large-billed scrubwren Sericornis magnirostra Acanthizidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola Acrocephalidae Flexible Garamszegi et al 2007 Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus Acrocephalidae Flexible Garamszegi et al 2007 African reed warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus Acrocephalidae Flexible del Hoyo et al 2011 Black-browed reed warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
    [Show full text]
  • ABSTRACT Title of Document: EVOLUTION and SIGNIFICANCE
    ABSTRACT Title of Document: EVOLUTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF SEXUAL DISPLAYS IN BOWERBIRDS (PTILONORHYNCHIDAE) Brian James Coyle, Biology PhD, 2013 Directed By: Professor, Gerald Borgia PhD, Department of Biology The spectacular diversity of sexual displays among taxa is shaped by many factors including female choice, habitat, ecology and learning. Bowerbirds, Ptilonorhynchidae, have many display elements that are highly differentiated among species providing an excellent system for studying processes of display evolution. This dissertation examines several aspects of display evolution including co-evolution of visual spectral sensitivity and color displays in the context of sensory drive theory, interspecific learning of behavioral displays and hybridization, and the significance of collected objects used in display. Physiological and molecular genetic investigation of peripheral visual systems revealed no species difference in spectral sensitivity that would explain the large interspecific differences in male and female display color preferences. Results did reveal that bowerbirds are sensitive to relatively short wavelength ultraviolet light which suggests that they may use this waveband in sexual communication. Male great bowerbirds (Chlamydera nuchalis) appear to arrange collected objects in a size specific pattern but there is no evidence for the recently proposed hypothesis that this pattern is designed to create a visual illusion for females. The purpose of the size related arrangement of objects remains unclear. Spotted (Chlamydera maculata) and great bowerbirds (C. nuchalis) are highly differentiated in display, size and appearance yet there is a high frequency of bidirectional hybridization in a contact zone in northwest Queensland, Australia. Evidence indicates that males in this contact zone learn displays from the pother species, which could influence hybridization, as in other avian hybrid systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Fauna of the Alice Springs Region
    CENTRAL AUSTRALIA Hosted by Low Ecological Services P/L Fauna of the Alice Springs Region Table 1. Birds found in the Alice Springs region Avian species found in the Alice Springs region, within a 25 Km radius of the CBD. List derived from NT NRM Infonet. Additional species are listed where presence is known (referenced accordingly). Species are listed according to taxonomic listing in common avian field guides. Numbered references in likelihood indicate occurrence reports (see reference list for further information). Species likelihoods marked with CR indicate Critically Endangered. Note that the following species were not included from the NT NRM Infonet list due to known absence from Alice Springs: Amytornis modestus modestus, Amytornis striatus, Anas querquedula, Cacatua galerita, Cacomantis flabelliformis, Calidris himantopus, Calidris minuta, Calidris tenuirostris, Charadrius dubius, Cinclosoma castanotus, Corvus coronoides, Dendrocygna arcuate, Egretta garzetta, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Eremiornis carteri, Gallinago megala, Grus rubicunda, Himantopus himantopus, Hirundapus caudacutus, Hirundo rustica, Leipoa ocellata, Limicola falcinellus, Mirafra javanica, Motacilla cinerea, Motacilla flava, Neophema splendida, Numenius phaeopus, Pedionomus torquatus, Porphyrio porphyrio, Tringa ochropus, Tyto capensis. Common Name Scientific Nomenclature Scientific Nomenclature Meaning (1) Likelihood Notes (1) Very scarce around Alice Springs. A sub-adult bird wandered into the NT Police stables at AZRI during 2012 and was resident until at least 2015. Very scarce close to Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae New Holland racer ASFNC outings have found Emu tracks on the claypan at Conlon's town (1-3) Lagoon on a number of occasions so rural residents may be lucky enough to see one from time to time. Coturnix (Coturnix) Quail with a breast-plate (in reference Probably irruptive around Central Australia more often reported following Stubble Quail Rare (1-3) pectoralis to the male's breast markings) wet periods.
    [Show full text]
  • Great and Spotted Bowerbirds Chlamydera Nucha/Is and C
    VOL. 16 (2) JUNE 1995 49 AUSTRALIAN BIRD WATCHER 1995, 16, 49-57 Great and Spotted Bowerbirds Chlamydera nucha/is and C. maculata (Ptilonorhynchidae) Sympatric and Interacting at Each Other's Bowers by CLIFFORD B. FRITH!, DAWN W. FRITH1 and MARNIE McCULLOUGH2 1'Prionodura', P.O. Box 581, Malanda, Queensland 4885 2 'Bruslee', P.O. Charters Towers, Queensland 4820 Summary An area of sympatry between bower-attending Great and Spotted Bowerbirds Ch/amydera nucha/is and C. maculata (Ptilonorhynchidae) in northern Queensland is described. Great Bowerbirds maintained bowers within little more than a kilometre of riverine vegetation and Spotted Bowerbirds mostly beyond this and in more arid habitat. The two species meet where the two favoured habitats abut and thus do so linearly either side of the major river system of the study area. The two closest pairs of bowers of each species were 1020 m and 1200 m apart. Spotted Bowerbirds visited bowers of, and displayed to, Great Bowerbirds, and the latter species visited bowers of the former. Photographic evidence is presented. Mean nearest-neighbour distance of 10 active Spotted Bowerbird bowers was 870 m (range 645-1170 m) and of nine Great Bowerbird bowers was 1370 m (range 825-1920 m). Introduction Records of sympatry between congeneric species of polygynous and bower-building bowerbird species (Ptilonorhynchidae) are few . The few records of sympatry between congeneric Australian bowerbird species involve only odd vagrant individuals within the peripheral range of another. In the case of polygynously breeding bowerbird species, sympatry of bower-attending congeneric males is unknown. Instances of sympatry are of interest as they may provide opportunities to examine the function of bower form, the influence of sympatry upon bower structures and upon the behaviour and reproduction of individuals and populations of bird taxa involved (Gilliard 1969, Frith 1970, Schodde & McKean 1973).
    [Show full text]
  • 27 November 2017 Mineral Resources Summary of Changes In
    M.J. & A.R. Bamford CONSULTING ECOLOGISTS 23 Plover Way, Kingsley, WA, 6026 ph: 08 9309 3671 fx: 08 9409 2710 email: [email protected] ABN 84 926 103 081 27th November 2017 Mineral Resources Summary of changes in conservation statuses of conservation significant species in the TSF4 project area at the Wodgina mine (as of 12th November 2017) N. Huang and M. Bamford Mineral resources operates the Wodgina mine in the Pilbara region and is proposing to expand a tailings storage facility. This facility lies within an area that was assessed for fauna values in 2008 (Turpin and Bamford 2008, Fauna Assessment of the Wodgina Tailings Storage Facility 3, unpubl. report to Enviroworks and Talison Minerals Pty Ltd). As nearly a decade has elapsed since that assessment was carried out, Mineral Resources has commissioned Bamford Consulting to review the status of the fauna assemblage of the project area to ensure that current listings of conservation significance are recognised. This document therefore presents the updated conservation statuses of conservation significant species considered likely to occur in or utilise habitat within the proposed disturbance area, or in habitats adjacent to the project. The number of conservation significant species in 2017 is as follows: 23 (compared with 25 in 2008) species of conservation significance are considered likely to occur within the vicinity of the project. Of these, 14 (12 in 2008) are of high significance (Conservation Significance Level 1), being listed under legislation, 2 (compared with 5 in 2008) are of moderate conservation significance (Conservation Significance Level 2), being listed as priority species by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), and 7 (6 in 2008) are of local significance (Conservation Significance Level 3), because they have restricted distributions.
    [Show full text]
  • Vocal Mimicry in the Spotted Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus Maculatus
    Vocal mimicry in the spotted bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus maculatus Laura A. Kelley A thesis submitted in application for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Edinburgh 2010 i Declaration The work contained within this thesis is my own and has not been done in collaboration, except where otherwise stated. The text does not exceed 70,000 words, and no part of this thesis has been submitted to any other university in application for a higher degree. Laura Ann Kelley ii Abstract Vocal mimicry is well documented in songbirds, yet the function of this behaviour is poorly understood. I studied vocal mimicry in a wild population of male spotted bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus maculatus to determine whether there was any support for the proposed functional hypotheses invoked to explain this behaviour. I collected observational data to determine what species male bowerbirds mimicked and how their mimetic repertoires related to the acoustic environment. Spotted bowerbirds preferentially mimicked the vocalisations of aggressive species, which is consistent with mimicry acting to deter predators or competitors (Batesian mimicry). However, these sounds were also relatively simple in terms of their structure, and may be mimicked purely due to their simplicity and similarity to the species-specific hiss. A survey of mimetic repertoires at three geographically isolated populations revealed a similar pattern in model choice: mimetic repertoires were predominantly composed of aggressive and predatory species but these sounds were also structurally simple. To test whether mimicry was used in a Batesian context I determined what contexts mimicry was produced in. Consistent with predictions, I found that males did not increase their mimetic rate in the presence of conspecifics but did increase their mimetic rate in response to human activity around the bower.
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Cross Bore Project, EL28045
    Davenport Resources Limited March 2017 Desktop Flora and Fauna Assessment - Southern Cross Bore Project, EL28045 For Davenport Resources Limited Prepared by: Low Ecological Services P/L March 2017 Low Ecological Services P/L PO Box 3130, Alice Springs, NT 0871 Ph: (08) 89 555 222 Fax: (08) 89 555 722 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lowecol.com.au Low Ecological Services P/L 2017 i Davenport Resources Limited March 2017 FRONTISPIECE Top: Calcareous hills in EL28045, bottom left: Ficus platypoda (rock fig) fruit, bottom middle: Danaus petilia (lesser wander) larvae. Bottom right: Danaus petilia (lesser wander) adult. DISCLAIMER This document has been prepared by Low Ecological Services (LES) for Davenport Resources Limited in accordance with an agreement with Davenport Resources Limited. LES has prepared this document using the skill and care expected from professional scientists to provide factual and technical information and reasonable solutions to identified risks. It does not constitute legal advice. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS LES acknowledges the assistance of Des Nelson, botanist, who identified plant samples from the site visit. DOCUMENT DETAILS Name of Document: Desktop Flora and Fauna Assessment - Southern Cross Bore Project, EL28045 Authors: Katie Degnian Client: Davenport Resources Limited Name of Project: Southern Cross Bore Exploration Project DOCUMENT CONTROL Approvals Name Signature Date Originator: Low Ecological Services 29/3/17 Reviewer: Chris Bain 30/3/17 Administrator: Davenport Resources 30/3/17 Approver: Department
    [Show full text]
  • Fauna Assessment Report.Pdf
    Fauna Assessment Lake Wells Project Area Goldphyre Resources Limited February 2016 Version 1 On behalf of: Goldphyre Resources Limited c/- Botanica Consulting PO Box 2027 BOULDER WA 6432 T: 08 9093 0024 Prepared by: Greg Harewood Zoologist PO Box 755 BUNBURY WA 6231 M: 0402 141 197 T/F: (08) 9725 0982 E: [email protected] LAKE WELLS PROJECT AREA - GOLDPHYRE RESOURCES LIMITED –– FAUNA ASSESSMENT – FEB’. 2016 – V1 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1 2. SCOPE OF WORKS ....................................................................................1 3. RELEVANT LEGISLATION..........................................................................1 4. METHODS....................................................................................................2 4.1 FAUNA HABITAT ASSESSMENT...............................................................2 4.2 POTENTIAL VERTEBRATE FAUNA INVENTORY ....................................3 4.2.1 Database Searches............................................................................3 4.2.2 Previous Fauna Surveys in the Area .................................................3 4.2.3 Existing Publications ..........................................................................4 4.2.4 Fauna of Conservation Significance..................................................6 4.2.6 Taxonomy and Nomenclature............................................................7 4.3 INVERTEBRATE FAUNA OF CONSERVATION
    [Show full text]
  • Clarifying Collection Details of Specimens from Champion Bay, Western Australia, Held in the Natural History Museum, Tring
    Philippa Horton et al. 129 Bull. B.O.C. 2016 136(2) Clarifying collection details of specimens from Champion Bay, Western Australia, held in the Natural History Museum, Tring by Philippa Horton, Hein van Grouw & R. E. Johnstone Received 22 December 2015 Summary.—Six bird specimens from Champion Bay (now Geraldton), Western Australia, were purchased by the British Museum from the dealer E. T. Higgins and registered in 1867. They included the first known specimen of Painted Finch Emblema pictum to have been collected after the holotype. All six specimens are of interest because their species are either rare or otherwise unknown in the Geraldton area. Widespread drought in the 1860s probably contributed to at least some of the unusual occurrences but cannot explain them all. Possible alternative locations for the specimens’ origins are investigated. Biographical details of the probable collectors of the specimens, A. H. du Boulay and F. H. du Boulay, are explored. In their review of Painted Finch Emblema pictum in South Australia, Black & Horton (2014) discussed observations made by Frank Gibson in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, in 1868–69. They believed that his observations constituted the first record of the species since the collection of the holotype in June 1840, on Depuch Island in the Pilbara region of north-western Western Australia, by Benjamin Bynoe, surgeon to HMS Beagle. Gibson collected ten Painted Finch specimens in 1869, four of which are held in the Natural History Museum, Tring (Sharpe 1890). Black & Horton (2014) noted another specimen listed by Sharpe (1890), from Champion Bay (now Geraldton) in Western Australia, but they were unaware of its date of registration.
    [Show full text]