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DIPHYLLODES CHRYSOPTERA, Gowda.

Golden-winged Bird of Paradise.

Diphyllodes chrysoptera, Gould, MS., unde
—— speciosa, var. chrysoptera, Elliot, Monogr. Parad. pl. 13.

 

I nave for a considerable time possessed specimens of the present bird, which I lent to Mr. Elliot for
of the

’

figuring in his monograph of the family. He does not, however, consider it more than a ‘ variety ’
ordinary species, as will be seen from the account which I extract from his work :—

«The only difference perceptibie between these specimens and those of the well-known species with which
I have compared them is that the wings are of a golden colour. In size they are equal. I do not consider
that there are sufficient grounds shown for naturalists to regard these birds as belonging to a species
distinct from the D. speciosa; and I have given a representation of them merely to exhibit a form of
variation to which perhaps D. speciosa is subject in certain localities. The exact place from which they
come is not known. . . . . The bird may be described as the same as D. speciosa with yellow secondaries.”

I have reproduced Mr. Elliot’s remarks because I wish my readers to know his exact opinion respecting
the birds, especially as I am compelled to differ from him entirely in his belief that the present bird is nothing
but a variety of D. speciosa. I possess two individuals of D. chrysoptera, both males, and agreeing with each
other; and considering that only during the past year a new and beautiful species of this very genus has
been discovered in the well-known island of Waigiou, I see nothing extraordinary in another island being
the habitat of this, to me, very well-characterized bird. I consider it perfectly distinct from D. speciosa ;
and I am certain that before long its proper habitat will be brought to light.

The birds are represented of the natural size.

 

 

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