The present species seems therefore quite out of place; and what is still more curious is the fact that it is not at all like any of the Asiatic species, but seems more to resemble those of Africa.
In the next family, the Bee-eaters, is another equally isolated bird, Meropogon forsteni, which combines the characters of African and Indian Bee-eaters, and whose only near ally, Meropogon breweri, was discovered by M.Du Chaillu in West Africa! The two Celebes Hornbills have no close allies in those which abound in the surrounding countries.

The only Thrush, Geocichla erythronota, is most nearly allied to a species peculiar to Timor.

Two of the Flycatchers are closely allied to Indian species, which are not found in the Malay islands.

Two genera somewhat allied to the Magpies (Streptocitta and Charitornis), but whose affinities are so doubtful that Professor Schlegel places them among the Starlings, are entirely confined to Celebes.

They are beautiful long-tailed birds, with black and white plumage, and with the feathers of the head somewhat rigid and scale-like.
Doubtfully allied to the Starlings are two other very isolated and beautiful birds.