THE PERCHING BIRDS 



survivors of a once extensive group, possess a very limited distribution, ranging: 

 from the lower spurs of the Himalayas through Burma and Siam, to Sumatra, 

 Borneo, and Java. 



The type of the genus Eurylczmus has the bill broader than the head, the under 

 mandible being very thin, particularly at the base; while the nostrils are basal, the 

 primaries are slightly graduated, the tail short and rounded, and the feet moderately 

 strong. These broadbills are found in the forests of tropical India, as well as those 

 of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Among the species the figured Javan broad- 

 bill {Eurylcemus javanicus) was discovered upward of ninety years ago by Dr. 



JAVAN BROADBILI,. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



Horsfield in the eastern extremity of the island from which it takes its name. 

 Sir Stamford Raffles found it frequenting the banks of rivers and lakes, feeding 

 upon worms and insects; and it seems partial to the neighborhood of water, building 

 its nest in its aquatic haunts, often overhanging a pool. It is generally found in 

 situations difficult of access, such as are covered with extensive forests, and are in- 

 tersected with marshes and rivers. The plumage of the head, sides of the neck, 

 and under parts is violet, varying in intensity. The forehead is nearly black; the 

 upper neck brown; the wings deep blackish brown, varied with yellow; the tail 



