New Species Named by Gould from the Tip of Cape York 1848 to 1869 - Part I

This information was researched and written up by Rob Reed. The text has been edited by Doug Herrington who also supplied the photos. Rob Reed has had the opportunity of living for 7 years in the area in all seasons and has developed familiarity with the local birds and their habitats and was readily conscripted to assist with guiding for Birdwatching Tropical Australia. Doug Herrington, owner guide for Birdwatching Tropical Australia has conducted many tours and private trips to the region alone and together with Rob Reed and has extensive experience with the species to be found here. 

John Gould

 Ten birds were obtained and named for the first time as novelties (new species known to science) and are still attributable to Gould.

Northern Scrub-Robin (Drymodes Superciliaris):

Attained in 1849 by MacGillivray and named to Gould in 1850. MacGillivray writes “…after watching near the nest for some time, one of the owners appeared, and was procured…it (the second bird) approached me within three or four yards, hopping with sudden jerks…it uttered no cry…” 

Our experience with sighting of this birds has similarities – it can be very difficult to find as we find the calls to be quite ventriloqual in nature but is quite confiding if you keep totally still. The Aboriginal name when procured in 1849 was Trokaroo. 

Northern Scrub-Robin

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera Sylvia):

Named by Gould in 1850.  The Gudang name was Quatawur. The Gudang people of the area were also able to enlighten MacGillivray as to the nest arrangements “…3 eggs in a rainforest termite mound…” MacGillivray also suspected this bird was present on the south coast of New Guinea as he had seen a head on a necklace of a local tribesman there which had close resemblance. “…plentiful…frequents the dense bushes…first made aware of its presence by the glancing of bright colours as it darted out with a rapid arrow-like flight…disappeared in an instant…its cry…uttered when perched on a bare transverse branch…its look-out station...is a shy suspicious bird, and one well-calculated to try the patience…”. We, and others who have stalked this bird, believe this to be a very accurate description and feel his frustration.

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

John Jardine, superintendent at Somerset (Injinoo name Pulu) published an account of this bird which, despite his highly intransigent relationship with the local indigenous peoples, shows how thoroughly reliant collectors and observers were on these peoples for accurate information. “My collection comprises more than one hundred species of land-birds…” and “To my constant enquiries to the blacks for this bird I was always told by them that when the wind and rain came from the north-east the birds would come, and their prediction was verified to the letter. They also say the birds come from Dowdai (New Guinea).”

Part II will be published soon!