On some Points in the Stracture of Hierococcj^x ^c. 599 
Scissor-bills are very peculiar in their habits, as well as in 
appearance. They are common here, sitting during the day 
on the sand-banks. At night they skim about over the 
shallows, apparently with the long lower mandible in the 
water. They look very strange with the wings quite upright, 
reminding one of a Nightjar/^ They usually go in parties 
of four or five, and look very large in the dusk. 
XXXVII. — On the Syrinx and other Points in the Structure 
of Hierococcyx and some allied Genera of Cuckoos. By 
Frank E. Beddard, F.R.S. &c. 
The mos^t recent estimate of the genera and species of 
Cuckoos known to science is contained in the lately 
issued '^Hand-list of Birds ^^. In this list Dr. Sliarpe 
enumerates no less than forty-six genera. Of these forty-six 
not more than twenty have been investigated anatomically, 
and most of them in but a fragmentary way. One cannot, 
therefore, help agreeing with Dr. Shufeldt in his reflection f 
that aa elaborately detailed classification, such as that 
adopted by Dr. Sharpe from the previously published 
volume of the British Museum Catalogue dealing with 
the Cuculidse, must necessarily contain much '^ guesswork.^' 
In spite of this scheme of classification, which, by reason of 
its authoritative issue, suggests finality, it is not possible at 
present to do more than indicate the very broadest lines 
along which subdivision of the Cuckoos should be proceeded 
with. It is desirable, therefore, to attempt an improve- 
ment upon this state of affairs, and to record as many new 
facts as possible about the anatomy of this comparatively 
little-known group of birds. From this may emerge a mode 
of arrangement of the Cuculidse which shall be more satis- 
factory than that to which attention has just been drawn. 
With a view to being of assistance in the matter, I have 
* ' A Hand-list of the Genera and Species of Birds/ vol. ii. pp. 155-175 
(1900). 
t '' The Osteology of the Cuckoos {Coccyges),^^ Proc. Acad. Amer, Phil. 
Sec. xl. 1901, no. 165. 
