SUMMARYSchodde, R., and I. J. Mason. 1976. Infra-specific variation inAlcedo azureaLatham (Alcedinidae). Emu 76:161–166. Three subspecies ofAlcedo azureaare recognized as occurring in Australia:diemenensisin Tasmania,azureain southern and eastern Australia north to the Cairns-Cooktown area andruficollarisin 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;azureaandruficollarisare 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.