ZOOLOGICAL ZONES 1523 



of geographical distribution might seem least ap- 

 plicable is that of birds : their peculiar power of loco- 

 motion, associated in numerous species with migra- 

 tory habits, might seem to render them independent 

 of every influence, save those of climate and of food, 

 which directly affects the conditions of their ex- 

 istence. Yet the long-winged albatross is never met 

 with north of the equator; nor does the condor soar 

 above other mountains than the Andes. The geo- 

 graphical range of its European representative, the 

 strong-winged lammergeyer, is similarly restricted. 

 The Asiatic Phasianidae and Pavonidae are repre- 

 sented .by turkeys (Meleagris) in America; by the 

 guinea-fowl (Numida Agelastus, Phasidus) in 

 Africa, and by the Megapodiae or mound birds in 

 Australia. Several genera of finches are peculiar 

 to the Galapagos Islands; the richly and fantas- 

 tically ornate birds of paradise are restricted to New 

 Guinea and some neighboring isles. Mr. Sclater, 

 who has contributed the latest summary of facts on 

 the distribution of birds, reckons seventeen families 

 as peculiar to America and sixteen families as pe- 

 culiar to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some species 

 have a singularly restricted locality, as the red- 

 grouse (Tetrao scoticus) to the British Isles; the owl- 

 parrot (Nestor productus) to Philip Island, a small 

 spot near New Zealand. 



When birds have wings too short for flight, we 

 marvel less at their restricted range; and particular 

 genera of brevipennate birds have their peculiar 

 continents and islands. The long and strong-limbed 

 ostrich courses over the whole continent of Africa 



