INTEODTJCTIOIT. 83 



throughout the warm and temperate regions of the Old World. 

 Thej are beautiful creatures, from which the common species 

 (Merops apiaster) — a Bird which is occasionally found in this 

 country — may be selected as a type. Altogether there are 

 thirty-five species more or less closely allied to it. They 

 excavate, with their long bill, a cavity in some sandy bank, 



Kg. 85. 



The Motmot {Momotw Tnomofue). 



preferentially the bank of some river, and therein make their 

 nest. They like the open country rather than the shade of 

 woods, and they are conspicuous from their bright coloration. 



Birds which much resemble the Bee-eaters, but which are en- 

 tirely confined to Central and South America, are the Motmots, 

 of which the Motmot jjar excellence {Momotus momotus) may serve 



G 2 



