Peltops, Eurylsemns, and Todus. 



179 



minute investigation. I believe, however, that Mr. Wallace will 

 pi'obably be found to be correct in considering the Eurylsemidse 

 the paleogean representatives of the neotropical Cotingidse*. 





i 



fig:. 1. Lower surface of sternum of Todus. 



2. tipper „ „ To(Iirostru7n. 



3. Lower „ „ EurylcBmus. 



4. Upper „ „ Coracias. 





Having mentioned Todus, I will now add a few remarks to 

 express my surprise at this well-marked type beiug still con- 

 founded by some systematistsf with the Tyrauniue genus Todi- 

 rostrum. One glance at the sterna of these two little birds (see 

 figs. 1 and 2) is quite enough to show that they have nothing 

 to do with one another. TodusX is closely allied to Alcedo, and 

 still more to Momotus, its nearest living ally being certainly the 

 diminutive Motmot called Hylomanes momotula. Todirostrum, 

 on the contrary, is a true Tyrannine form, and belongs to the 

 great Passerine series. I submit, therefore, to the author of the 

 next classification of birds, and to systematists in general who 

 treat of these forms : — 



* See Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. 2, vol, xviii. p. 199. 



t Cabanis, in Tachudi's ' Fauna Peruana,' Aves, p. 1G2, and Wiegm. 

 Arch. xiii. pt. 1, p. 257. See also Carus, Ilandb. d. Zool. i. p. 265. 

 X Cf. Blanchaid, op. cit. p. 110. 



