The zoogeographical dispersal of the genus Chrysococcyx

Abstract

An evolutionary dispersal of the genus of small cuckoos, Chrysococcyx, from a centre of origin in Gondwanaland has been suggested by Marchant. This is questioned on grounds of the present distributional pattern, the time involved, and the size of the birds. An alternative hypothesis of evolution and speciation, based on dispersal from a tropical centre of origin, is proposed, with a single invasion of Africa from the north and possibly three successive invasions of Australasia from the Oriental region.