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 

 Calyptomcna 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 Piprida, 

 which forms one of the aberrant groups also of the neighbouring 

 circle of Dentirostres, an'd thus comes in contact with the Todidce 

 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 HalcyonidcB ; since the only spe- 

 cies now known in that genus exhibits the exact representation 

 of a Kingsjisher, 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 1 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 Halcyonida. Nov. 1824. 



* Zoological Illustrations, PI. 27. 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 Kingsjisher, the bird known 

 to the ancients under that name. 



until 



