78 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



Nest. — On the ground, made of leaves, rushes, or 

 twigs. 



Food. — Insects, etc. 



Gait. — A walk or run. 



Flight. — The species is said to be incapable of flying. 



Note. — A sound like " hoo-hoo " ; but they also have 

 a call-note of several syllables. 



Disposition and Habits. — They are said to be so 

 attached to their young that if these be taken 

 they will follow the captor home. 



Economic Qualities. — They are probably useful as 

 insect-destroyers. 



Distribution and Important Species. — Madagascar, 

 in the forests of the eastern slope of the mountain- 

 chain. There is only one species {Mesites variegata), 

 which is little known, though not rare in its own 

 country. 



MoTMOTS [MomotidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Perching birds, with saw-edged hill curved 

 in profile, and three front toes more or less united. 



Size. — From that of a lark to that of a jay. 



Form. — Bill curved in profile, toothed along the edges, 

 corner of mouth below eye ; feet with rather (but 

 not excessively) short shanks, and three toes, more 

 or less united, in front, the hind toe smallest. 

 Wings short and rounded ; tail long, especially 

 the centre feathers. Head large. 



Plumage and Colouration. — General hue green, the 

 head diversified with blue and black. No sex 

 difference or seasonal change. 



Young. — Helpless, and fed by parents, presumably. 



Nest. — A hole in a bank or tree. 



Eggs. — White with a yellowish tinge. 



Food. — Insects and fruit. 



