Dr. J. Murie on the Motmots and their Affinities. 397 



a separate and large suprauarial foramen ; in Momotus lessuni 

 this is represented only by a minute orifice ; and in M. {Bary- 

 phthengus) ruficapillus it is confluent with the nostril. The cir- 

 cumscription of the orbit through the postfrontal process de- 

 scending to the jugal is a characteristic feature of the Coraciidse. 

 In Coracias, at least, there is a deep prefrontal indent, and the 

 upward obliquity of the skull thence is greater than in that com- 

 pared, as also is the perpendicular occipital surface. Pterygoids 

 proportionally longer than in the Motmots. The prem axillary 

 margin overhangs the mandible ; the rami of the latter are deeper, 

 and the shortening and scooping of the symphysis are markedly 

 stronger, in the Coraciidse. 



As to the sternum, it is longer according to width, the notches 

 deeper and not converted into foramina. Coracoids shorter 

 than oblique sternal diameter ; epicoracoids broader. Scapula 

 straighter. The pelvis is narrower in proportion to length, and 

 the ischial portion produced more, than in the Motmots. 



In some of the species and genera of the Coraciidse the points 

 of divergence from the Motmots iuci'ease. C. bencjalensis has an 

 interclavicle and postpalatine spines, along with a shorter tarsus. 

 In Eurystomus [E. australis) still greater changes obtain ; and 

 while the beak and skull posteriorly broaden, they are abbreviated. 



I find in Coracias abyssinica the proportionate lengths of the 

 tibia, tarso-metatarse, and mid toe to be considerably less than 

 in the Motmots and Tody, and the same diminution to excess in 

 all the bones of the leg to the corresponding ones of the wing. 



3. Comparison with the Meropida. — In their sternal appa- 

 ratus the Bee-eaters reti'eat from the previous groups. It is 

 more elongate and narrow in them, has deeper clefts, long- 

 slender xiphoids ; the rostrum (at least in M. apiaster) is trifid, 

 and in M. melanura is not excavated ; in all the keel is less 

 emarginate anteriorly. The coracoid is remarkably short, and 

 inferiorly extraordinarily wide ; furcula expanded above ; sca- 

 pula relatively broader than in the Motmots. Pelvis deeper 

 and longer in proportion to breadth. The inordinate length, 

 curvature, and tenuity of the beak in such forms as Merops 

 cyanotis, M. melanura, &c., doubtless with a certam depth of 

 mandible (as Alph. M. -Edwards, /. c. mfrOy pi. 165, has figured in 



