>distribution, individuals which appear to be black. Some claim they
>are black, but most believe they are not black-black but blue-black.
Is it not possible that the birds on Dirk Hartog and Barrow Islands are
similarly blue-black in the hand? Pizzey and Knight do state that 'black'
birds often show a few blue feathers and that 'blue' birds may occasionally
be black. Is it not likely that the 'black' birds are simply a colour phase
which is prevalent on the islands but only sporadic on the mainland. Perhaps
the mainland black birds should not be dismissed as really blue-black and
not black-black - this might be exactly what the 'real' black birds on the
islands are.
I'm sorry - it's been a long day. I don't think I'm making sense???
Ken Tucker
Bournemouth, UK.
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