80 ZOOLOGY. 



three forward, one backward, three lower joints of the 

 midd'etoe connected to the outer one; the middle toe 

 serrated on the under side. 



The Kingfishers all reside in the vicinity of rivers atid 

 lakes, in the banks of which they usually form their nests, 

 being merely excavations, lined with the castings of the 

 birds, which soon harden and render their retreats water- 

 proof. They are piscivorous, exceedingly shy, fly with as- 

 tonishing rapidity ; and are among the more splendidly 

 coloured birds, the predominant colour is blue, of various . 

 shades ; only one species is found in Great Britain, see 

 British Ornithology, vol. 1. 



21. Galbula. Jacamar. UjVHong, strait, pointed, inclined 

 to quadrangular ; nostrils oval, situated at the base of 

 the bill ; tongue short, pointed ; feet formed for 

 climbing. 



Mostly natives of South America, residing in the neigh- 

 bourhood of swamps, and feeding on insects ; they are very 

 shy, swift on wing, and brilliantly coloured ; and are only 

 to be obtained by the gun. 



29. Merops. Bee-Eater. Bill cpadraugular, carinated, 

 incurvated, pointed ; nostrils small, placed near the 

 base of the bill ; tongue slender, in most species, 

 jagged or fringed at the tip ; toes three forward, one 

 backward, the middle one connected to the outer as 

 far as the first joint ; feet formed for walking. 



