I 



j f2 Introduction: Geographical Distribution. 



The Island of Celebes is now known to possess 1 5 peculiar genera of birds, 

 some of which, indeed, range into other parts of the C'elebesian area. These 

 forms are of unequal values, that is to say some of them are very distinct from 

 genera existing in other parts of the world, while others hardly possess any 

 structural difference to warrant their distinction. We have, therefore, divided 

 the Celebesian genera into three classes, according to their taxonomic value. 



The following four are I. Class genera: 



Megacephahn Citttira 



Streptocitta Scissirostrum. 



The Moleo, Megacephalon , has affinities with Talegallus and Aepj/podius of ' 



New Guinea. 



Streptocitta, a bird very similar in appearance to a Magpie, seems to occupy | 



an intermediate position between the Sturnidae and Corvidae. It is probably 

 most nearly allied to Basileornis, a Celebesian genus occurring on the mainland 

 and know^n also by distinct species from Banggai and Ceram; the latter genus 

 seems to have its nearest affinities with Mehinopyrrhus of New Guinea. Hence , 



Streptocitta does not seem to be of Oriental origin, but of Australasian (pp. 576, | j 



57:-} of text). 



Cittura, a low type of Kingfisher, has certain affinities with the still more 

 primitive Melidora of New Guinea, but its direct descent from such a form is 

 improbable, and its land of origin is hidden in doubt (p. 307 of text). 



Scissirostrum, a Grosbeak-like Starling, has been variously treated by systema- 

 tists, and in our opinion it has as near affinities with the Oriental Acridotheres 

 as with anything, but its curious beak undoubtedly entitles it to an isolated 

 position among the Sturnidae (p. 569 of text). 



The following are II. Class genera: 



Rhahdotorrhinus Malta 

 Meropogon Cataponera 



Cegcopsis Enodes 



Mgza Aramidopsis. 



The small Hornbill, Wiahdotorrhimis , is apparently most nearly related to 

 the Philippine genus, Penelopides (p. 237 of text). 



Forsten's Bee-eater, Meropogon, finds its nearest allies in Ni/ctiornis of the 

 Oriental Region — not including the Philippines (pp. 259, 260 of text'. 



The little Kingfisher, Cegcopsis, seems to be intermediate between the red- 

 backed section of Cegx which ranges from India to the Philippines, and the 

 blue-backed section of that genus found from the Philippines to the Solomon 

 Islands, but it differs from both in possessing a minute inner toe, which is quite 

 obliterated in all members of the genus Ceyx. We believe that indications may 

 be found showing that the red-backed section of Cegx is more ancient than the 

 blue (pp. 274, 277 of text). 



