that connect the Orders and Families of Birds. 431 
seems to bear a striking affinity to the present group. Here 
also the same considerations would incline me to arrange the 
Calyptomena of Sir Stamford Raffles, which differs chiefly from 
the groups now mentioned in its comparatively shorter bill, and 
the singular covering of plumes that project over the upper 
mandible. All these, and some other corresponding genera will 
be found, I make no doubt, on more accurate knowledge of 
their economy, to belong either to the present family, which is 
placed at the extremity of the Fissirostres, or to that of Pipride, 
which forms one of the aberrant groups also of the neighbouring 
circle of Dentirostres, and thus comes in contact with the Todide 
now before us. More extensive knowledge respecting these birds 
will determine the line of demarcation between them; but the ge- 
neral affinity by which they approach each other, at least in con- 
terminous families, may at once be decided without hesitation. 
If we examine the genus Todus of authors with reference to its 
general affinities, we shall find an intimate resemblance.between 
it and the succeeding group of Halcyonide ; since the only spe- 
cies now known in that genus exhibits the exact representation 
of a Kingsfisher, with the exception of a shorter and more 
depressed bill. We are thus conducted to the Halcyon* of 
Mr. Swainson, and from thence to the Dacelo of Dr. Leach; 
Since the above observations were read before the Society, I have been strengthened 
in my opinion, that the place I have assigned this genus is likely to be correct, by some 
accounts which I have received of the manners of these birds from Mr. Caley, to whose 
exertions in New Holland the Society is indebted for its valuable Australasian collection. 
He informs me that “ they are birds of passage; that they make a chattering noise 
somewhat like the Goatsucker ; and that they feed upon the wing on insects." It may 
be here added, that these birds, together with Eurylaimus and Todus, evince an ap- 
proximation in their general colouring to the singularly brilliant plumage that prevails 
throughout the Halcyonide. Nov. 1824. 
* Zoological Illustrations, Pl. 97. This is an extremely distinct and well-defined 
genus. It were, however, to be wished, that the name of Halcyon had been retained 
to that group of the family which includes the European Kingsfisher, the bird known 
to the ancients under that name. 
until 
