173 



EEy TODY. 



Todtts viridis, LINNAEUS. 

 VIGNETTE. 



Above parrot-green ; beneath yellowish-white ; under tail- 

 covers yellow ; chin and throat with a lengthened \ utch of 

 bright scarlet ; sides of the breast rosy. 



Todus viridie, Linn., Auct. ; Edwards, PI. 121; PL Enl. 585 

 (fig. pess.); Desmarest, N. //. Tanay. et Tod. PI. 0'7 (lig. 

 op.) ; Zool. 111. ii. PI. b'6. 



THIS is the most beautiful of all the Todies, and, 

 among the whole of this family, only yields in 

 richness of colouring to the Monacha chrysomela. The 

 natural history of this bird, differing so remarkably 

 in colour from all its congeners, must possess great 

 peculiarities ; but, unfortunately, the meagre notices 

 that we yet possess on its habits and economy arc 

 very slight, and in some respects contradictory. It 

 is said to build its nest on the ground, either on a 

 tuft of grass or in the open fissures ; a statement we 

 do not credit, seeing that such situations are never 

 chosen by birds which have not their feet con- 

 structed for walking. The remark, that, when at 

 rest, it always sits with the head and bill pointing 



