54 

 ORDER FICARIJE. 



Opposed to the Passeres (Nitzsch). The feet are relatively weaker and 



smaller. 



Sub-order Coraciae . 



Spinal feather-tract well defined on the neck by lateral bare tracts, but 

 dividing into two tracts on the upper back ; oil gland nude if present. 



FAMILY CYPSELTD^}. 



Palate aegithognathous. Rectrices ten (Swallows have twelve). Gape 



very wide. 



SUB-FAMILY CYPSELIJLE. 

 Tarsi distinctly feathered, outer and middle toes with only three phalanges. 



GEXUS MICROPUS. Hind toe directed more or less forward. 



430. HI. pacificUS, Lath. (Cypselus pacificus), White-rumped Swift 

 (Australian Swift). 



Rump white ; feathers of under surface edged with white, and 

 with a darker subterminal bar. 



Wing, 7 to 7 '3 in. ; lateral rectrices, 3'3 in. 

 Hab. : 2, 3, 4, 6, 7. 



UB-FAMILY 

 Wings always reaching far beyond end of tail. 



GENUS CH^TURA. Shafts of rectrices have spinous points; tarsi as 

 long or longer than middle toe. 



431. caildacilta, Lath., Spine-tailed Swift. 



Chin and throat pure white ; small white band across forehead. 

 Hab. : 1 to 9. 



GENUS COLLOCALIA. Shafts of rectrices have no spinous points. 



432. C. fraiicica, Gmelin (C. terrse reginae), Grey-rumped Swiftlet. 



Crown, nape, and back dark smoky-brown ; rump brownish-grey, 

 with dark shaft lines ; lower surface dusky brownish-grey, feathers 

 with dark shaft lines ; chin and upper throat a little darker. 



Total length, over 4 in. ; wing, 4 '4 in. ; tail, 2 in. 

 Hab. : 2. 



FAMILY CAPRIMULGID^. 



The m outh is split very wide, and gape is very wide ; colours vary with 

 the soil ; habits nocturnal. 



SUB-FAMILY CAPRIMULGIN^E. 



Has ten primaries and ten rectrices ; number of phalanges reduced to four 

 in outer toe, and claw of middle toe peculiarly pectinated. 



GENUS CAPRIMULGUS. Rictus is armed with strong bristles. 



433. C. lliacrurilS, Hors., Large- tailed Nightjar. 



Freckled brown, with large white marks near throat ; four outer 

 primaries with white spots. 



Total length, 11'5 in ; wing, 7 '5 in. ; tail, 5 '6 to 6*3 in. ; tarsus, 

 0'7 in., feathered in front for nearly whole length. 

 Hab. : 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9. 



