A Synopsis of the Birds of Australia was published between January 1837 and April 1838. It was issued in 4 Parts with 73 plates in imperial octavo size (209 mm x 292mm) - one of the few Gould publications not in the larger imperial folio size (559mm x 406mm). It shows the heads of nearly 170 birds many from specimens sent by Elizabeth Gould's brothers Stephen and Charles Coxen who had settled in Australia. The artwork, lithography and hand colouring are by Elizabeth Gould.
In his Prospectus Gould states "he... contemplates visiting Australia, New Zealand etc. for the space of two years, in order to investigate and study the natural history of those countries." This gives early advice of John Gould's intention to visit Australia and as promotion for the subsequent publication of The Birds of Australia.
Part1 was issued in January 1837, Part 2 in March 1837 and Parts 3 and 4 in April 1838
