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INTRODUCTION. 83 
throughout the warm and temperate regions of the Old World. 
They are beautiful creatures, from which the common species 
(Merops apiaster)—a Bird which is occasionally found in this 
country—may be selected as a type. Altogether there are 
thirty-five species more or less closely allied to it. They 
excavate, with their long bill, a cavity in some sandy bank, 

The Motmot (Momotus momotus}. 
preferentially the bank of some river, and therein make their 
nest. They lke the open country rather than the shade of 
woods, and they are conspicuous from their bright coloration. 
Birds which much resemble the Bee-eaters, but which are en- 
tirely confined to Central and South America, are the Motmots, 
of which the Motmot par excellence (Momotus momotus) may serve 
G2 
