
%0 Journal Article
%A Schodde, R 
%A Mason, IJ 
%T Infra-specific variation in <I>Alcedo azurea</I> Latham (Alcedinidae)
%J Emu
%D 1976/12/01
%V 76
%N 4
%P 161-166
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/MU9760161
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MU9760161 
%X Three subspecies of Alcedo azurea are recognized as occurring in Australia: diemenensis in Tasmania, azurea in southern and eastern Australia north to the Cairns-Cooktown area and ruficollaris in northern Australia between the Kimberley Division and Cape York Peninsula. They are distinguished by size and intensity of colour on the ventral surface and flanks; azurea and ruficollaris are probably linked by steep clines in these characters between Cairns and Princess Charlotte Bay. The distinctive first-year plumage, not considered in most previous analyses of geographical variation, is described for Australian forms. Relations with races outside Australia are discussed. 
