2(38 SYNDACTYLY.. 



TRIBE V. 



Syndactyly. 



The Fiftli Tribe of Passerine birds comprehends 

 several families^ recognizable by the peculiar con- 

 formation of their feet.* Their external toe is 

 almost as long as the middle toe, to which it is 

 joined by a membrane that reaches as far as the 

 last joint but one, a structure obviously intended to 

 give great firmness to the grasp while in the act of 

 perching. In this division Cuvier included the Bee- 

 eaters, the Todies, the Motmots, the Kingfishers, and 

 the HornhiUs, with which various other birds have 

 been associated by subsequent winters. f 



FAMILY I. 



CoRACiD^. The Boilers. 



Gen. Chaeac— Bill more or less lengthened and broad at the base, with the 

 sides compressed towards the tip, which is hooked ; the nostrils basal, 

 lateral, with the opening linear or oval ; the wings long and pointed ; the 

 tail generally short and even ; the tarsi short ; the toes moderate, sometimes 

 free, or the outer toe united at the base with the middle one. 



These birds are distinguished by great beauty of 

 plumage ; they are for the most part confined to hot 

 countries, a few only being inhabitants of the more 

 temperate regions. Their food consists mostly of 

 insects, but some of them subsist wholly or in 23art 

 upon vegetable substances. 



To this family belong the Rollers proper, the 

 Todies, the Boatbills, and the Motmots. 



* See " Animal Creation," p. 431. 



fin the Tabular Views these birds will be found arranged with 



the FiSSIKOSTRES. 



