Re Gould’s comments on his lack of Tasmanian records, I suspect that over the years the species would have increased dramatically in the state as a result of land clearing. In Frank
Littler’s Handbook of the birds of Tasmania (published 1910) the author notes that “this fine bird mostly confines itself to open, swampy localities bordered by grassy uplands”. Also “On moonlight nights I have on many occasions heard flocks passing over Launceston”.
And “Shooting begins 1st February, ends 20th June”.
Steve
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Geoffrey Dabb via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 2 February 2025 8:19 AM
To: 'ben milbourne' <>; 'Canberrabirds' <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] A verbal Wotsit
Well done Ben. What Gould initially called ‘Wattled Pewit’, later ‘Wattled Plover’, and we regard as southern subspecies of ‘Masked Lapwing’. His views about range were often little
more than guesses, but reasonable for that time.
Wanted to suggest wattled but couldn't locate a contemporary reference or distribution map on short notice. So probably have falsely assumed it to now be called the masked lapwing. But then the masked is in Tassie.
Stab in the dark... A form of Spured plover. Could be masked lapwing?
From: Canberrabirds <>
on behalf of Geoffrey Dabb via Canberrabirds <>
Sent: Saturday, February 1, 2025 9:16:55 AM
To: Canberrabirds <>
Subject: [Canberrabirds] A verbal Wotsit
From John Gould’s ‘Birds of Australia’ 1848. Any thoughts?
