176 



CORACI/E. 



western half of the Palaearctic Region the length of wing varies from 

 3-2 to 3-8 inches ; whilst in the eastern half of that Region and in 

 the Oriental Region it varies from 2-9 to 2-6 inches. It is note- 

 worthy that the length of bill (which varies according to age from 

 14 to 2 inches) is not known to present any geographical variation ; 

 hence the Eastern form has relatively a slightly longer bill than its 

 Western representative. It is, however, impossible to recognize the 

 two forms as specifically distinct. 



The range of the Common Kingfisher extends across the Palaearctic 

 Region from the British Islands to Japan, but does not reach further 

 north than about latitude 55°. To the south it includes the Canaiy 

 Islands, Egypt, India, China, and the islands of the Malay Archi- 

 pelago. 



• The Eastern form was described as a distinct species as long ago 

 as 1788 under the name of Alcedo bengalensis (Gmelin, Syst. Nat. i. 

 p. 450), but it is scarcely probable that any one would claim specific 

 rank for it now. 



Suborder XI. CORACIM. 



Front plantar leading to hallux ; spinal feather-tract well-defined 

 on the neck by lateral bare tracts, but dividing into two tracts on 

 the upper back ; oil-gland nude. 



Front portion of sternura of (1) Upupa epops, (2) of Bv^eros alhiroatrk, 

 (3) of Merops apiaster. 



