The southern subspecies 'ferruginea' is occasionally considered a distinct species.

The southern subspecies F. r. rupicoloides weighs about 181-334 grams.

The southern subspecies is larger and heavier than the northern.

There is considerable overlap, as the southern subspecies has been found up to Cape York.

The southern subspecies is generally smaller than its northern relative.

The southern subspecies also has more yellowish limbs and underparts.

It is the southern subspecies of Banksia conferta, though has been considered a full species by some.

These birds are somewhat darker and larger than the southern subspecies; some consider this to be a separate species.

The ranges of these two southern subspecies overlap and intermediate forms are reported to exist, although this has not been confirmed.

Almost at the edge of extinction in the early 20th century, the southern subspecies has made a tremendous comeback.