On some Points in the Structure of Hierococoyx ^c. 599 



Scissor-bills ai-e very peculiar in their habits, as well as in 

 appearance. They are common here, sitting during the day 

 on the sand-banks. At night they skim about over the 

 shallows, apparently Avith the long lower mandible in the 

 water. They look very strange with the wings quite upright, 

 reminding one of a Nightjar/' They usually go in parties 

 of four or five, and look very large in the dusk. 



XXXV II. — On the Syrinx and other Points in the Structure 

 of Hierococcyx and some allied Genera of Cuckoos. By 

 Frank E. Beddard, F.R.S. &c. 

 The most recent estimate of the genera and species of 

 Cuckoos known to science is contained in the lately 

 issued 'Hand-list of Birds'"^. In this list Dr. Sliarpe 

 enumerates no less than forty-six genera. Of these forty-six 

 not more than twenty have been investigated anatomically, 

 and most of them in but a fragmentary way. One cannot, 

 therefore, help agreeing with Dr. Shufeldt in his reflection f 

 that an elaborately detailed classification, such as that 

 adopted by Dr. Sharpe from the previously published 

 volume of the British Museum Catalogue dealing with 

 the Cuculidse, must necessarily contain much " guesswork.''* 

 In spite of this scheme of classification, which, by reason of 

 its authoritative issue, suggests finality, it is not possible at 

 present to do more than indicate the very broadest lines 

 along which subdivision of the Cuckoos should be proceeded 

 with. It is desirable, therefore, to attempt an improve- 

 ment upon this state of affairs, and to record as many new 

 facts as possible about the anatomy of this comparatively 

 little-known group of birds. From this may emerge a mode 

 of arrangement of the Cuculidae which shall be more satis- 

 factory than that to which attention has just been drawn. 

 With a view to being of assistance in the matter, I have 



* 'A Ilaud-list of the Genera aud Species of Birds,' vol. ii. pp. loo-lZo 

 (1900). 



t " The Osteology of the Cuckoos ( Coc-cv/yr-.s)," Proc. Acad. Anier, Phil. 

 See. xl. 1901, no. 165. 



