;340 



SCANSORES. 



SUB-FAMILY J J I. 

 CoccYzix.E."' The Ground Cuckoos. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill goneriilly olovatcd at its linse, with the cuhncii arehod, 

 and the sides much compressed to the tip, wliich is entire ; the gonys usually 

 long and straight; the nostrils basal, with the opening generally linear and 

 partly closed by a scale ; the winga moderate and more or less rounded ; the 

 tail long and graduated ; the tarsi lengthened, and covered with broad 

 scales ; the toes unequal, and armed with variously-sized claws. 



Fig. 139. — the ked-headed groukd cuckoo. 

 (Coua riificeps.) 



These birds are found botli in Central and Nortli 

 America, and sometimes in Europe. Tliey make 

 their abode in the densest woods, the borders of soli- 

 tary swamps, and in orchards, seeking the thickest 

 foliage for concealment. Their food consists of 

 caterpillars and insects, shell-fish, snails, and small 



* kokkv'Cm, coccyzo, to cry like a cuckoo. 



