BRITISH BIRDS, 
WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 
ORDER PICARIA. 
O the birds of this group I have paid less attention than to the Passeres, 
few of them being suitable subjects for study in captivity, excepting in 
Zoological Gardens. To thoroughly understand any bird, it is necessary to know 
its habits, both wild and in confinement. 
Formerly the Pcarie were included in the Fasseves, but careful study of their 
structure eventually induced Dr. Sclater to separate them as a distinct Order. 
Seebohm was of opinion that the Aicarie should include the Owls, but Howard 
Saunders appears not to have shared this opinion, and I do not profess to have 
studied the question sufficiently to be in a position to express any views. 
As regards the British Islands, this Order is a small one, only twelve species 
having, in my opinion, any claim to be included in our list: these are referable 
to ten genera and eight families. 
The British families of Prcarze are as follows :—Cypfselide (Swifts); Capri- 
mulgide (Goatsuckers); Picide, with two Subfamilies; /yngine (Wrynecks) and Picine 
(Woodpeckers); Alcedinide (Kingfishers); Coraciid@e (Rollers); Meropid@ (Bee-eaters) ; 
Upupide (Hoopoes); Cuculide (Cuckoos). 
VoL. 111 B 
