BUCCONIN.E. 



Chelidoptera Gould* 



Bill shorter than the head, elevated and broad at the base, with the culmen and lateral margins and 

 the sides much compressed to the tip, which is acute ; the gonys and lateral margins of the lower man- 

 dible curved to the acute tip ; the nostrils lateral, with the opening rounded, and concealed by the frontal 

 plumes and bristles. Wings lengthened, and reaching nearly to the end of the tail, with the third and 

 fourth quills equal and longest. Tail very short and even. Tarsi very short, and covered in front with 

 broad transverse scales. Toes of various sizes, the outer anterior toe the longest. 



This genus is at present composed but of one species, which is said to possess a powerful flight : it usually resorts to 

 the topmost branches of the trees, from whence it sallies forth over the forest in search of insects, which constitute its 

 chief food. 



C. tenebrosa (Pall.) Gould, PI. enl. 505. — Le Vaill. Ois. de Parad. t. 4,6., PL col. 323. f. 1., Swains. B. of Braz. 36. 



* Mr. Gould established this genus in 1836 (Proc. Z. S. 1836, p. 81.). Brachypetes of Mr. Swainson (1837) is coequal. 



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December, 1846. 



