406 CLASS AVES. 



Falcin. Cyanomelas, Vieill. Bill thinner and more 

 curved than in the last ; tail not so long or so much 

 cuneiformed. Shining black with bluish reflexions, 

 and the white spots on the tail. 



The bee-eaters appear to be wanting in America, 

 where their place appears to be in some measure 

 suppHed by 



The MoTMOTS. (Prionites, Illiger.) 



Which have similar feet and gait, but differ by a 

 stronger bill, the edges of which are serrated 

 in both mandibles, and by a bearded tongue like a 

 feather, after the manner of that of the toucans. 

 They are handsome birds, about the size of tlie pie, 

 with the plumage of the head loose like the jay's ; a 

 long wedged tail, the two middle quills of which are 

 barbed in the adult, for a small space, not far from 

 the end, which gives their tail a very peculiar form. 

 They fly badly, live in solitude, nestle in holes, feed 

 on insects, and even pursue small birds. 



Brasilian Motmot. (Ramphastos Momota.) Gm. 

 Enl. 370. P. Brasiliensis. 111. Vaill. Ois. de Par. 

 pi. 37 and 38. 



Green above ; quills, blue ; reddish-green beneath ; 

 black dot on chest ; spot of velvet black on the 

 head, with green before it, and blue behind. Size 

 of a magpie. South America. 



