_Chenalopex sirabensis_ Andrews, Ibis 1897, p. 355, pl. IX, figs. 1-3.
This species of which skull, sternum, pelvis, the bones of fore and hind
limbs, &c., are preserved, appears to be closely allied to _Chenalopex
aegyptiacus_, but has such a number of small differences that Mr. Andrews
is, I think, quite justified in separating it; I do not, however, agree
with him when he suggests that perhaps it is the same as Newton and Gadow's
_Sarcidiornis mauritianus_, although many of the bones agree. Of course,
his line of comparison was strengthened by the fact of subfossil bones of
_Plotus nanus_ occurring both in Mauritius and Madagascar; but it does not
follow that because in one family of birds the same species occurred in two
places the others must do likewise, and, therefore, one must not
necessarily regard a certain similarity of osteological characters as proof
of identity. I must here again refer my readers to Mr. Andrews' very full
description.
Habitat: Sirabé in C. Madagascar.