HONEY-GUIDES. 



265 



This family comprehends the Indicators, the Rain Cuckoos, the 

 Ground Cuckoos, the Anis, and the Cuckoos properly so called. 



Fig. 137. — The Si'Otted Honey-guide {Indicator maculains.) 



Siib-Fainily I. 

 THE INDICATORS OR HONEY-GUIDES. INDICATORIN.E. 



GejNERAl Characteristics. — Bill short, broad at the base, with the culmen curved, 

 and the sides compressed to the tip, which is entire ; the nostrils lateral and placed 

 near the culmen in a membranous groove ; the wings long and pointed ; the tail 

 moderate and emarginated ; the tarsi very short and covered with transverse broad 

 scales ; the toes unequal, and the outer anterior toe the longest ; the claws moderate 

 and strong. 



These birds inhabit the wooded districts of Africa, the forests 

 of India, and the island of Borneo ; they are usually found in 

 pairs near the nests of wild bees, which are located in the trunks 

 of trees. The honey stored up in these nests constitutes their 

 chief food, and they often pay dearly for their dainty fare, being 

 sometimes found in the hives stung to death. In such a case the 



