238 BARBICAN. 



We have seen several specimens of this bird, which differed but 

 little from each other ; in one the mixture of crimson and white passed 

 down from the chin only as a broad streak : there is every reason to 

 suppose that this is not a mature bird, and that it possibly may be 

 allied to the Black-throated Species, from the exact similarity of the 

 bill, as to size and shape ; also, on inspecting the under wing coverts, 

 they were manifestly imperfect in respect to feathers, as usual in young- 

 birds ; but, as we cannot determine this, it must remain for the present 

 as a mature species. 



6— ABYSSINIAN BARBICAN.— Pl. liii. 



Bucco Saltii, Abyssinian Barbet, Salt Tr. App. p: xlvi. liv. 



LENGTH seven inches. Bill horn-colour, very dark, stout, and 

 large, from point to gape one inch ; the upper mandible has a double 

 notch, or process, on the edge, and bends much at the point; in 

 form, the bill is somewhat similar to the Black-throated, but stronger, 

 and the process, or rather double indentation, nearer the base; the 

 general colour of the bird fine glossy black ; forehead, as far as the 

 crown, sides, including the eyes, the chin, and throat fine crimson ; 

 from the nostrils, as well as the base of the sides of the under jaw, 

 and chin, are fine hairs, pointing forwards ; upper wing coverts 

 black, edged on the sides with white, producing a streaked appear- 

 ance; quills dusky, the outer margin, for the most part, fringed 

 with yellow ; the second quills nearly as long as the prime ones ; 

 under wing coverts pure white ; tail of ten feathers, two inches and a 

 quarter long, nearly even at the end ; legs dusky ; toes placed two 

 and two, but the inner ones, both before and behind, very short, 

 especially the latter, which is not half the length of the adjoining, so 

 as to give the appearance of there being but one hind toe ; claws 

 short, but stout. 



Brought from Abyssinia, by Mr. Salt ; two of these, nearly 

 similar, were shot together, and supposed to be the two sexes; 

 observed to cling to the branches of trees, like the Woodpecker. 



