348 BIRDS OF INDIA. 



Structure of its feathers^ and its parasitic mode of propagation, 

 bring it a great deal' closer to the Cuckoos. 



Sub-fam. Centropodin^ — Coucals. 



Bill strong, deep, compressed ; wings ratlier short, rounded ; tail 

 long, graduated ; tarsus long ; feet for walking ; hallux lengthened 

 in some, and with the nail straight ; in others short and more curved. 



This sub-family comprises two distinct forms, the typical one, 

 with the hind toe and claw lengthened, and Lark-like. They are 

 found in the warmer regions of the Old World, extending to the tem- 

 perate region in Australia, being much developed in the oceanic 

 region. They build their own nests, lay white eggs, and feed chiefly 

 on the ground on reptiles and insects. Mr. Blyth does not separate 

 them from the Phcenicophaince, but their ground-habits and other 

 points of structure appear to me to require a distinct sub-family 

 rank. The plumage in general is rigid and spinous. 



Gen. Centropus, Illiger. 



CAar.—Bill strong, of moderate length, well curved, high at the 

 base, entire at the tip ; nostrils lateral, basal, half covered with a 

 scale ; wings rounded ; tail elongate, graduate, very broad ; tarsus 

 long ; feet larger ; hallux long ; claw of the hallux generally length- 

 ened, somewhat straight. 



The Coucals have the plumage harsh and spinous; the young are 

 usually more or less barred ; in some these cross-bands are perma- 

 nent. Gould states that the males of one species are smaller than 

 the females. They are found in Africa and throughout the Indian 

 region to Australia ; and appear to be peculiarly developed in the 

 oceanic regions. 



217. Centropus rufipennis, Illiger. 



HoRSF., Cat. 1000— C. philippensis, Cuvier— Sykes, Cat. 130— 

 Blyth, Cat. 385 — C. pyrrhopterus, Vieillot — Jerdon, Cat. 

 231 — C. bubutus. Horsf. — C. castanopterus, STErnENS— -J/a/to/fa 



