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 (Momotidce}. 



DIAGNOSIS. Perching birds, with saw-edged bill 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. 



