Sub-Class II.-NEOGNATHJE. 
[Pycraft, Trans. Zool. Soc., XV., p. 149 (1900)]. 
Ordee II.— GALLIFOEMES. 
Family — MEGAPODIID^E. 
Genus— MEGAPODIUS. 
Megapodius Quoy et Gaimard, Voy. Uran. et Phys., p. 124 (1824) M. freycineti. 
Alecihelia Lesson, BuU. Sci. Nat., VIII., p. 115 (1826) . . .. M. freycineti. 
Alechthelia Hartl., 1842 (c/. Gray, Hand!. B., II., p. 255 (1870)) M. freycineti. 
Amelous Gloger, Hand- u. HiHsb., p. 375 (1842) .. .. .. M. freycineti. 
Bill slender ; nostrils oval, for their greater part covered with a membrane. 
Head and neck in some species but scantily feathered. Tail consisting of twelve 
rectrices, rather short, and not more than half the length of the wing. 
Distribution. Eastern Islands from the Nicobars to Australia and eastwards 
as far as Ninafou ; north to the Philippine and Marianne Islands. 
\\ 
35 
