50 



KEY TO FAMILIES. 



A. Middle and outer toes joined for half their length. . . . Family Al- 

 ceJiniikt : KINGFISHERS (Fig. 35), p. 226. 



B. Two toes in front and two behind. . . . Family Cuculidas: CUCKOOS 



(Fig. 36), p. '-"J4. 



Fio. 37. 



Order XV. Pici. WOODPECKERS. 



Toes four, two in front and two behind, or toes three, two in front and 

 one behind ; bill strong ; tail-feathers stiff and pointed ; nostrils more or 

 less concealed by bristles. . . . Family Picidae: WOODPECKERS (Fig. 37) : 

 p. 227. 



Fia. 39. 



Fm. 



Fio. 40. 



Order XVI. Macrochires. GOATSUCKERS, SWIFTS, and HUMMINGBIRDS. 

 Feet very small and weak ; bill short and small and mouth large, or bill 

 long and exceedingly slender and mouth small ; wings generally long and 

 pointed. 



A. Size comparatively large; plumage variegated, black and brown; 

 middle toe-nail with a comblike edge. . . . Family Capriinii></nl<i : 

 NIOIITIIAWKS, WHIP-POOR-WILLS, etc. (Fig. 38), p. 236. 



B. Size medium; plumage sooty black; no comb on the middle toe- 

 nail; tips of the tail-feathers with spines. . . . Family Micropodidce : 

 SWIFTS (Fig. 39), p. 239. 



C. Size very small ; upper parts shining green ; bill long and slender. 

 . . . F.unily Trochilida : HUMMINGBIRDS (Fig. 40), p. 240. 



