White-backed Magpie in Sydney]

["John Leonard" <>]

Contra Schodde and others, there is a theory that the Magpie is simply
a very variable species and only has clinial variation. The
white-back/black-back variation in this theory is a response to
habitat, with the more robust white-backs in thicker vegetation, where
a white back is a useful signal through the foliage. The less robust
black-backed forms are birds of woodland and more open country.

I can't remember the biologist who has put this theory forward, is it Angela Carter?

John L

On 2/21/06, Ricki Coughlan <> wrote:

Hi Chris

 

You'll find it in the 7th edition of Simpson and Day.

 

Ricki