296 VERTEBRATA. - AVES. 



esting and beautiful models for the naturalist. The 

 nests of (as it would appear) several species, in the 

 extreme east of Asia; are much valued as an esculent 

 delicacy. Swallows are found in all countries. 



FAM. V. - SYNDACTYLI.* 



IN this family the genera have little in common 

 as respects the bill, but they agree in having the outer 

 toe united to the middle one, as far as the second 

 joint. Some naturalists reject this division, and dis- 

 tribute the birds into other families and orders. 



Merops^\ the Bee-eater. 



These, having long wings and small feet, and pur- 

 suing their insect prey through the air, have some 

 affinity to the Swallows, but the beak is long, slender, 

 curved, and pointed. They chiefly prey on the 

 stinging Hymenopterous insects, such as bees, hor- 

 nets, &c., but it is remarkable that they are never 

 stung. They are confined to the warm climates of 

 the Old World, but a single species, (M. Apiaster,} 

 occasionally visits Britain. They are generally birds 

 of beautiful plumage, adorned with brilliant metallic 

 tints and gay colours. 



* 2tv, syn, together, and $ax<A<9j, daldylos, a toe. 

 |* Its ancient Greek and Latin name. 



