XVI. SYNOPSIS. 



Gen. j;. MEROPS. Bill longer than the head, slightly 

 curved, triangular at the base, carinated above, sharp- 

 pointed, culmen elevated: nostrils basal, lateral, oval, partly 

 covered by hairs directed forwards: tarsi short; toes three 

 before and one behind; the outer toe joined to the middle 

 one as far as the second joint, the middle to the inner one as 

 far as the first; hind claw small: wings long and pointed; 

 first quill very short, second longest. 



M, Apiaster, Linn. - v. i, p. 291 



Gen. 38. ALCEDO. Bill long, straight, rarely depress- 

 ed, quadrangular, pointed, edges sharp and cutting: nostrils 

 basal, lateral, pierced obliquely, linear, almost closed by a 

 naked membrane: tarsi short; three toes before and one 

 behind; the outer toe joined to the middle one as far as the 

 second joint, the middle toe to the inner one as far as the 

 first; hind toe thick at its base: third quill longest. 



A. Ispida, Linn. v. i, p. 293 



ORDER VIII. CHELIDONES. 



BILL short, much depressed, wide at its base; up- 

 per mandible bent at the point : feet short ; three 

 toes before, entirely divided or united at the base 

 by a short membrane; hind toe in some rever- 

 sible; claws much hooked: wings long. 



Gen. 39. HIRUNDO. Bill short, triangular, much de- 

 pressed; upper mandible carinated, bent at the tip; gape 

 extending nearly to the eyes: nostrils basal, oblong, partly 

 covered by a membrane : feet short, toes and claws slender ; 

 three toes before, and one behind; outer toe united to the 

 middle one as far as the first joint: tail forked, composed of 

 twelve feathers : wings very long, first quill longest. 



