on the Birds of Celebes. 69 



EUDYNAMIS MELANORHYNCHA^ Mullcr. 



Native Malay name, " Kao " {" Kalao " at Ternate) . Alfu- 

 rous name in the Minaliassa, " Kokoreke " or " Kembaluwan," 

 i. e., '' Foreteller at night '^ (for explanation see below). 



A frequent bird, but not so common as the preceding. At 

 all times in the Minahassa from January till July, Limbotto 

 July. Iris fiery red. 



1 found mostly nutmegs in the stomach. Before nutmegs 

 were cultivated in the Minahassa, which is only during the last 

 few years, the bird fed on different fruits, chiefly waringuis, 

 but now nearly altogether on nutmegs, which it swallows 

 whole on account of the rind ; the nutmeg itself is found 

 uninjiired in the crop and stomach ; and the bird contributes 

 greatly to the geographical dispersion of this spice. It 

 damages the plantations very much. It is said to seek its 

 food at night. 



The skin is separated with difficulty from the muscles. 



This Cuckoo also lays its eggs in other birds' nests. Its 

 cries are of many kinds. If alone, it cries its native name 

 kao ; and if it wishes to warn its fellows, hau, wau, wau, wau, 

 wau, wau, dying away. 



Shy and lively in its actions. Roosts in the darkest 

 spots in trees, where it can hardly be detected. If danger 

 threatens, or if it hears a particular noise which frightens it, 

 it communicates its alarm from afar to others ; and it is no 

 fable that the natives are warned by the bird hours before — 

 if, for instance, a troop of horsemen approaches, or an official 

 with his attendants. The native therefore often makes his 

 preparations according to this bird's behaviour ; hearing it in 

 the forest he will always be cautious. 



But its cry at night he consults as an oracle, and converses 

 with the bird by imitating its cry and interpreting it. If he 

 hears it at night near a house he augurs the death of a 

 man. 



Cacomantis sepulchralis (Miiller). 



Native Malay name, " Burong-pangil-udjan/' i. e. " Rain- 

 caller." Alfurous name in the Minahassa, " Embis," which 

 signifies the same. 



