220 



CONIROSTRES. 



SUB-FAMILY II J. 



BUPHAGIN.E."' 



The Ox-peckers. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill moderate, broad, with the culmen slightlj' depressed 

 and curved to the tip, which is entire ; the lateral sides of the lower man- 

 dible broad, and the goms short and ascending ; the nostrils basal, small, 

 and partly closed by a membrane; the wings long and pointed ; the tail 

 long and graduated, with the end of each feather pointed ; the tarsi short 

 and strong ; the toes moderate, strong, and armed with moderate, niucli 

 compressed, c;irved, and acute claws. 



Fig. 91. — thk ox pecker. 

 (Buphdga AJ'ricuna.) 



Tlie Ox-peckers are found on tlie continent of 

 Africa. Tliey are always in company with cattle^ 

 on whose backs they are generally seen clinging 



* f^oi'Q, bous, an ox ; (payto, phago, to eat ; Beef-eater. 



