Order STRISORES. 



Char. Toes variable, generally three anterior, and one posterior, some- 

 times in pairs. Primaries ten. Tail feathers generally ten. Tarsi witli 

 small scales or with naked skin, without the broad encircling plates of the 

 preceding order. 



Tliis order is represented in North America by a greater numl:>er and 

 variety of families than the preceding. Several others, however, are found 

 in Middle and South America. 



Family ALCEDINID^, The Kingfishers. 



Char. Head large ; bill long, strong, straight, and sub-pjTamidal, usually 

 longer than the head. Tongue very small. Wings short ; legs small ; tlie 

 outer and middle toes united to their middle. Toes with the usual number 

 of joints (2, 3, 4, 5). 



C. alcyon. 



