112 INSESSORES. FISSIROSTRES. 



at the base), and their habit of feeding upon wing. This 

 latter quality, however, as well as the weak structure of the 

 legs, are also met with in the typical families of the Tenui- 

 rostres, the tribe which meets the present one at the other 

 extremity of the order ; but a remarkable difference in the 

 mode of feeding effectually distinguishes the members of 

 each ; this being accomplished in the Fissirostral tribe by the 

 bill alone, whereas in the typical Tenuirostral birds, it is 

 taken by the instrumentality of the tongue. The nature of 

 their respective food is also dissimilar in the Fissirostres (with 

 the exception of the Trogonida!) being confined to animal 

 matter, and principally that of the insect world. In the Tenui- 

 rostres it is chiefly derived from vegetable juices and fruits. 

 The families of which the present tribe is composed are, as 

 usual, five ; which (though presenting among themselves a 

 great diversity of structure) are all partakers in a greater 

 or less degree of its distinguishing characters. They are 

 named the Meropidfe, Hirundinidce, Caprimulgida, Trogo- 

 nklet, and Halcyomdct. Of these the Hirundinidae and Ca- 

 primulgidse are the typical groups, as in them we find the 

 fullest development of the peculiar characteristics of the 

 tribe. 



Family I. MEROPIDtE. 



The members of this aberrant family, are mostly natives 

 of the warmer climates of the ancient world, and are noted 

 for the beauty of their plumage, consisting in general of 

 shades of green, blue, yellow, and rich browns. In the 

 form of their feet, they are nearly allied to the Halcyonidae, 

 which stand at the farther extremity of the tribe, and in other 

 parts of their structure a connexion is kept up with the Pro- 

 meropidte of the Tenuirostral tribe, as well as with other 

 members of the Insessorial order. The typical genera possess 

 a full development of wings and tail, and in consequence are 



