1899.] 



ceaniaIj osteology of the parrots. 



31 



deep, the squamosal large but shallow. The paroeeipital wings 

 are continuous with the basitemporal ridges. The ridge' running 

 from the supra-occipital region to the outer and posterior margin of 

 the paroeeipital process, and separating the posterior from the 

 lateral aspect of the skull, takes a somewhat sinuous course 

 forwards behind the ear, so as to leave between it and the border 

 of the meatus a much narrower interspace than in Psittacus and 

 Eclcctus ; the same is true also of Conurus. The quadrate is very- 

 similar to that of Conurus. Descending processes are not present 

 on the hinder border of the masillse. There is a small mandibular 

 fenestra. 



Kg. 24. 



Caioa melanocephala. 

 rig. 25. 



Quadrate bone of Calca melanocepliala. 



rig. 26. 



Poeoceplialus fuscicapilhcs. 



The skull of Pionus is ver}'- similar. The interspace between 

 the auditory meatus and the occipital ridge is still narrower. A 

 deeper notch separates the paroccipitals from the basitemporal 

 ridges. The shaft of the quadi-ate is shorter and stouter, and the 

 anterior process more reduced. 



In Pachynus, Caica, and Pceocejjhalus the orbital' ring is in com- 



